Muscle
Extensor digitorum longus
Extends the lateral four toes
High-yield
Extends toes 2-5 and dorsiflexes the ankle; deep fibular nerve.
Overview
An anterior leg muscle extending the toes and dorsiflexing the ankle, forming dorsal digital expansions.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Lateral condyle of the tibia, proximal fibula, and interosseous membrane
- Insertion
- Middle and distal phalanges of the lateral four toes (via extensor expansions)
- Action
- Extends the lateral four toes and dorsiflexes the ankle
- Innervation
- Deep fibular (peroneal) nerve (L5, S1)
- Blood supply
- Anterior tibial artery
Frequently asked questions
What does the extensor digitorum longus do?
The extensor digitorum longus extends the lateral four toes and dorsiflexes the ankle.
What nerve innervates the extensor digitorum longus?
The extensor digitorum longus is innervated by the deep fibular (peroneal) nerve (L5, S1).
Where does the extensor digitorum longus attach?
The extensor digitorum longus originates from the lateral condyle of the tibia, proximal fibula, and interosseous membrane and inserts on the middle and distal phalanges of the lateral four toes (via extensor expansions).
What is the blood supply of the extensor digitorum longus?
The extensor digitorum longus is supplied by the anterior tibial artery.